Motorola Mobility, Inc. v. Apple, Inc.

Filing 282

NOTICE by Apple, Inc. Notice of Filing of Declaration of Jill J. Ho in Support of Apple Inc.'s Motion to Compel Production of Documents and Testimony Regarding Set-Top Box Components and Exhibits Thereto (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Jill J. Ho in Support of Apple Inc.'s Motion to Compel Production of Documents and Testimony Regarding Set-Top Box Components, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit G, # 6 Exhibit H)(Pace, Christopher)

EXHIBIT D

US005621456A

United States Patent

Patent Number:
Date of Patent:

[19]

Florin et al.
[54] METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR

AUDIO-VISUAL INTERFACE FOR THE
DISPLAY OF MULTIPLE PROGRAM
CATEGORIES

[75] Inventors: Fabrice Florin, Mill Valley; Michael
Buettner, Burlingame; Glenn Corey,
San Rafael; Janey Fritsche, Mill
Valley; Peter Maresca, Palo Alto;
Peter Miller, Los Altos Hills; Bill
Purdy, San Anselmo; Stuart Sharpe;
Nick West, both of San Francisco, all
of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino,
Calif.
[*]

Notice:

The term of this patent shall not extend
beyond the expiration date of Pat. No.
5,583,560.

[21]

Appl. No.: 82,056

[22]

Filed:
Jun. 22, 19~3
6 .....................................................
Int. CI.

H04N 71173
[51]
[52] U.S. C1 .................................... 34817; 348112; 348/13;
45515.1; 45514.2
[58] Field of Search .................................... 34817, 10, 12,
348113, 734, 906, 563, 564, 565,566, 567,
1, 2; 45514.2, 2; H04N 7116, 71173, 5144,
51445, 5100

[56]

References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

Re. 32,632
Re. 34,340

311988 Atkinson ................................. 340/709
8/1993 Freeman .................................... 358/86
(List continued on next page.)

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
0239884 10/1987 European Pat. Off..
393555 10/1990 European Pat. Off..
(List continued on next page.)

5,621,456
*Apr. 15, 1997

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

42nd Annual Convention and Exposition of the National
Cable Television Association, Jun. 6, 1993, SF, CA, pp.
82-89, Mack Daily "Addressable Decoder With Downloadable Operation".
(List continued on next page.)
Primary Examiner--John K. Peng
Assistant Examiner~Ehris Grant
Attorney, Agent, or Firm~lakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
[57]

ABSTRACT

An interactive audio-visual (A/V) transceiver is advantageously coupled to a television and/or telephone (T/T) cable,
a TV, a video recorder (VCR), and other A/V devices. The
A/V transceiver switches data between a program!service
provider and the connected A/V devices. In one embodiment, the transceiver includes three primary modules, a
main module including a CPU, a system bus, system
memory, an infra-red (IR) control unit, an andio-visual bus,
an A/V decoder, an A/V processor, and an A/V encoder, an
A/V connect module including a number of tuner/demodulators and a switch, and an optional CD ROM module. The
A/V transceiver hardware is complemented with an operating system and software program which supports the functions provided in the A/V user interface. Additionally, a
remote control device is provided to communicate with the
A/V transceiver to interaetively manage selection of program and service sources, selection program and service
offerings from any selected source, viewing of selected
program offerings, and interaction with selected service
offerings. The remote control device is advantageously
provided with a basic A/V control button group, an interactive control button group, an auxiliary control button group
and a numeric key pad to facilitate control of the transceiver.
The interactive control button group includes an info button,
a list button, a categories button, a pix button, a mark button,
a jump button, and a pointing device consisting of up, down,
left, and right arrow buttons, and a center select button.
II Claims, 50 Drawing Sheets

FL-Apple0001332

5,621,456
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,290,142
4,381,522
4,533,910
4,536,791
4,555,775
4,573,072
4,622,545
4,641,205
4,706,121
4,750,036
4,772,882
4,785,408
4,812,834
4,829,558
4,847,604
4,847,700
4,873,623
4,884,223
4,890,320
4,899,136
4,914,517
4,914,732
4,931,783
4,935,865
4,939,507
4,959,720
4,977,455
4,987,486
4,995,078
5,008,853
5,014,125
5,047,867
5,062,060
5,072,412
5,148,154
5,151,782
5,151,789
5,157,768
5,177,604
5,195,092
5,206,722
5,220,420
5,223,924
5,236,199
5,239,540
5,247,347
5,253,066
5,253,067
5,283,819
5,323,240
5,353,121
5,357,276
5,367,316
5,404,393
5,410,326
B1 4,977,455

91198l
411983
811985
8/1985
II11985
2/1986
11/1986
2/1987
11/1987
611988
9/1988
1111988
311989
5/1989
7/1989
711989
511987
11/1989
12/1989
2/1990
411990
4/1990
611990
611990
711990
9/1990
1211990
111991
211991
411991
511991
911991
1011991
1211991
911992
9/1992
911992
1011992
111993
311993
411993
6/1993
611993
811993
8!1993
9/1993
10/1993
10/1993
2/1994
6/1994
1011994
1011994
11!1994
4!1995
4/1995
4/1993

Schnee et al ............................... 455/3
Lambert .................................... 358/86
Sukonick et al ........................ 340/721
Campbell et al ....................... 358/122
Pike ........................................ 364/900
Freeman .................................... 358186
Atkinson ................................. 340/747
Beyers, Jr. ..............................
358/335
Young ..................................... 358/142
Martinez ................................. 358/147
Mical ...................................... 340/709
Britton et al ........................... 364/513
Wells ...................................... 340/721
Welsh ........................................ 372/92
Doyle ...................................... 340/706
Freeman .................................. 358/343
Lane et al ............................... 364/188
Ingle et al ............................... 364!550
Monslow et al .......................... 380/10
Beard et al ............................. 340/706
Duffield ............................... 358/191.1
Henderson et al ..................... 340/825
Atkinson ................................. 340/710
Rowe et al ............................. 364!188
Beard et al ............................. 340/706
Duffield et al ....................... 358/191.1
Young ..................................... 358/455
Johnson et al ............................ 358/86
Monslow et al .......................... 380/10
Bly et al ................................. 364/900
Pocock et al ............................. 358/86
Strubbe et al .......................... 358/335
Kolnick ................................... 364/521
Henderson, Jr et al ................ 395/159
MacKay et al ......................... 340/712
Ferraro ...................................... 358186
Young .................................. 358/194.1
Hoeber et al ........................... 395/157
Martinez ................................... 358186
Wilson et al .......................... 370194.2
Kwan ........................................ 358186
Hoarty et al .............................. 358186
Strubbe ..................................... 358186
Thompson, Jr. ........................ 273/439
Rovira et al .............................. 370177
Litteral et al ............................. 358185
Vogel.
Chaney et aI ........................ 358/191.1
Glick et aI ................................ 379/90
Amano et al ............................... 348/I
Young et al..
Banker et al..
Ikezaki .................................... 345/158
Remillard .................................. 379/96
Goldstein ................................ 348/134
Young ..................................... 358/142

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
61-74476 4/1986 Japan ............................. H04N 5/445

48879 2/1990 Japan
8601962 3/1986 WIPO
8912370 1211989 WIPO
9001243 2/1990 WIPO
396062 1111990 WIPO
420123 4/1991 WIPO
9118476 1111991 WIPO
9311639 611993 WIPO
9311640 6/1993 WIPO
9311638 611993 WIPO

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
18th Intcrnational Television Symposium and Tcchnical
Exhibition, Jun. 10, 1993, Montreux, Switzerland, pp.
555-567, Hoarty "Multimedia on Cable Television Systems".
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 34, No. 7A, Dec.
1991, pp. 375-377, "Interactive Computer Conference
Server".
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 36, No. 07, Jul.
1993, pp. 53-54, "Interactive Device for Conventional TVs
to Improve Functionality".
Elektor, No. 4, Apr. 1990, pp. 10 12, "D2B-Homebus Ftir
Audio and Video".
42rid Annunal Convention and Exposition of thc NCTA,
Jun. 6, 1993, SF, CA, pp. 223-236, Bestler "Flexible Data
Structures and Interface Rituals for Rapid DeveIopment of
OSD Applications".
Alexander, Visualizing cleared-off desktops, Computer
World, May 6, 1991, p. 20.
Hiroshi Ishii, Kazuho Arita, Clearface: Translucent Multiuser Interface for Team WorkStation, ECSCW, Sep., 1991,
pp. 6-10.
Hirosi Ishii, Naomi Miyaka, Toward an Open Shared Workspace, Communications oftheACM, Dec., 1991, vol. 34, No.
12, pp. 37-50.
Article entitled: Learning Considerations In User Interface
Design: The Room Model; author: Patrick P. Chan; publication of the Software Portability Laboratory, University of
Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Jul., 1984.
Article entitled: Creation/Modification of the Audio Signal
Processor Setup For a PC Audio Editor; publication of
International Business Machines, IBM Technical Disclosure
Bulletin, vol. 30, No. 10, Mar. 1988.
Article entitled: Browsing Within Time-Driven Multimedia
Documents; authors: Stavors Christodoulakis and Steven
Graham; publication of the Institute for Computer Research~
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Jul.,
1988.
Article
entitled:
Impact:
An
Interactive
Natural-Motion-Picture Dedicted Multi-Media Authoring
System; authors: Hirotada Ueda, Takafumi Mityatake, and
Satoshi Yoshizawa; Communications of the ACM, Mar.,
1991, pp. 343-350.

FL-Apple0001333

FIG.

PROVIDER

,58 TELEVI$1Ot/ SET

1000

ooo

~6

OT/tER AUDIO-VISUAL
DEVICES

I[
000

SCREEN

Transceiver

Television
(or Telehone)
Cable
52

!
!
I

Tuner/
;modulator
67

Merry
75
AN
Decoder ,
74

Switcher
69
Other
AN
Devils

Memory
& Bus
Controller
80

AN
-- Bus
73

": JEncoder[ ~
’, I 78 I

System
Bus

A/V Connect.
Module 66

FIG. 2

Main
Module
62

IR
Control
82
t

60 j

CPU

Sy~
Memory

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 3 of 50

5,621,456

ooo00o

FL-Apple0001336

U.S. Patent

Sheet 4 of 50

Apr. 15, 1997

FIG. 4b

FIG. 4a
120

5,621,456

125
115

,!22

142

1

136~

155

~2

134
138--

140
,140
138

146

.172
.170
~,177

FL-Apple0001337

Sheet 5 of 50

Apr. 15, 1997

U.S. Patent

5,621,456

FIG. 5b

FIG. 5a
120

15 122 115
MUtaTE

142\

132

MARK JUMP ~’

[1

148-~r’.~ // ?T~Y

16~_ ~ ~~’MENU
REC

1

-- ’

7’2
68

PLAY,PAUSE

D

FFWD

,170
60 160~
66

®

® ®
@
MIC.

176~

78

79

FL-Apple0001338

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 6 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001339

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

5,621,456

Sheet 7 of 50

E

FL-Apple0001340

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 8 of S0

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001341

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 9 of SO

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001342

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 10 of 50

5,621,456

O

FL-Apple0001343

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 11 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001344

:IG. 12

220--

25O

<]Thursday 10/15 _SPMD
ALL PROGRAMS,

A&~ Persor~al Story .......
lO NTV Rock Today <1> Party Time
.’,il DB,S ,,

12 BMT
13 TC
14 DCV
15 NKK
16 TSN
17 HMX
18 STM
19 WRR
20 NNC

’i’s, aYNa¥" Billye .....

Manager’s Forum
Windsuding <!> Basketball
Planet Life
Wild Joe <1> Fun Times
Top Story’News
Top Movie
.Best Movie
Comedy Program
Popular Program

FIG. 13

~ <]Thursday 10/15
~ ALL PROGRAMS

L,

9 A&B personal Story
NTV 6) Rock Today <!> Party Tim~
11 DBS "Say Nay" Billy
12 BMT
Manager’s Forum
Windsurfing <!> Basketball
13 TC
14 DCV
Planet Ufe
Wild Joe <1> Fun Times
15 NKK
Top Sto~ News
16 TSN
17 HMX Top Movie
18 STM
Best Movie
Comedy Program
19 WRR
Popular Program
,20 NNC

.251

[18:o6: 0

=IG. 14

~ <~Thursday 10/15 8PMD

/k
180

ALL PROG RA ,MS
7 XYZ St. Louis at SF (6:30)
8 CMM Showbits This Month
9 A&B Personal Story
Rock Today <(> Party Time (8:10)(9
10 NTV
"Say Nay" Billy
11 DBS
Manager’s Forum
12 BMT
Windsurfing <!> Basketball
13 TC
Planet Life
14 DCV
Wild Joe <1> Fun Times
15 NKK
Top Story News
16 TSN
Top Movie
17 HMX
Best Movie
18 STM

lv

FIG. 15

~
180

<]Thursday 10/15 8PMD
ALL PROGRAMS

7 XYZ St. Louis atSF (6:3d)
8 CMM Showbits This Month
9 A&B Personal Story
10 NTV Rock Today <!> Pa ,rt~ Time (8;10)[~®
11 DBS "Say Nay" Billy
.-252
12 BMT Manager’s Forum
Windsurfing <!> Basketball
13 TC
14 DCV Planet
15 NKK Wild Joe <1> Fun Times
16 TSN Top Story News
17 HMX Top Movie
18 STM Best Movie

:IG. 16

ALL PROGRAMS

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

BILL
FXX
SPN
NJJ
CFF
VT1
XYZ
CMM
A&B
NTV
DBS
BMT

BILLBOARD e
The Ughts
Center Stage Sports
Day Court
Lonesome Bird (8:00)
This Generation
St. Louis at SF (6:30)
News <I> Politics Today
Personal Story (8:00)
Bluff
Intrigue
Shop Talk

=IG. 17

180

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

ALL PROGRAMS
BILL
BILLBOARD ~, I
Strongmen
FXX
College Football
SPN
Specials Tonight
NJJ
News <1> New MTGH"
CFF
This Generation
V’i’I
News <!> Early Peek
XYZ
K. Johnson <!> Resources
CMM
The Movie Special (5:00)
A&B
Rock This Week <!> Overview
NTV
Jan Can Cook <I> Intrigue
DBS
Personal Interviews
BMT

8:10:3011

FIG. 18

~~]saturday 10/17 ~PMD
ALL PROGRAMS
180

1
2
3

BILL
FXX
SPN

4 NJJ
$
6
7
8
9
10
11

CFF
YTI
XYZ
~
A&B
NTV
DBS

BILLBOAAI)
STRONGHEN
COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Specla!,sTonight. , ....
Neus
NevHTCB
This Generation
Early Peek
Neus
K. Johnson
Resources
The Novie Special (5:00)
Rock This Week
Overviev
Jan Can Cook
Intrisua

~.ECOILD:$PECZALS TONIGHT - 60 mln

~259 "

ONCEt

FIG. 19

~ <]Saturday 10/17 6PMD
/’~
180

ALL

1 BILL
2 FXX
3 SPN
~ NJJ
5 CFF
6 VT1
7 XYZ
8 CMM
9 A&B
10 N’I’V
11 DBS
12 BMT

P ROG RAM S

151LLBOARD
Strongmen
College Football
Specials Tonight
News <1> New MTGH
This Generation
News <1> Early Peek
K. Johnson <!> Resources
The Movie Special (5:00)
Rock This Week <t> Overview
Jan Can Cook <!> Intrigue
Personal Interviews

..-260

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 20 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001353

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 21 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001354

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

5,621,456

Sheet 22 of 50

,J
O
O

FL-Apple0001355

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 23 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001356

FIG. 24

CATEGORIES’. SPORTS

302

305

310

315~_~

312

313

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 25 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001358

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 26 of S0

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001359

FIG. 27

~_~.~Thursday 10/15 8PMD
360_

/k S~O~TS
"~3 SPN
7 XYZ
11 DBS

Baseball Tonight (7:00)
St. Louis at SF (6:30)
"Say Nay", Billy.
13 ~T .. O_Wlnd, sur/ing~2~,> Basketball
36 INB
College Football (7:00)

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 28 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001361

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 29 of 50

5,621,456

ZN~

FL-Apple0001362

FIG. 30

"~ 6 Vl’l

325

Sax Cymbals
~~
7 XYZ St. Louis at SF (6:30)~f
~-~-’-~"
Showbits This Month
8 CMM
~8:23:30 ~
Personal Story
9 A&B
Rock Today <1> Party Time~’
10 NTV
11 DBS
"Say Nay" Billy
12 BMT
Manager’s Fo~m
Windsurfing~l> Basketball
13 ST

CATEGORIES: FAVORITES ®

-"IG. 31
Thursday 10/15 8P.,M_...
FREQUENT PROGRAMS

362~

BILL

BILLBOARD

6 VT1
7 XYZ
8 CMM

Sax Cymbals
St. Louis at SF (6:30)~./
Showbits This Month

9 A&B
10 NTV
11 DBS
12

Personal Story
Rock Today <1> Party Time~
"Say Nay" Billy

FAVORITES: FREQUENT
-300

/
318

FIG.

, ~ Thursday 10/15 8PM
MARKED PROGRAMS
XYZ St~’"Louis at SF (6i:~’0)~
10 NTV
Rock Today <1> Party Time~
Windsurfing~l> Basketball
13 ST
College Football (7:00) ~’
36 INB

mo n i

FAVS’RITE8: MARKED
FREQ-UENT

iMARKED

L
319

REC

MOM
,

JOE

SET
UP

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 33 or 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001366

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 34 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001367

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 35 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001368

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

5,621,456

Sheet 36 of 50

o

FL-Apple0001369

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

5,621,456

Sheet 37 of 50

|

FL-Apple0001370

FIG. 38
180

390--

CREDITS
Length

382

TICKET
388

FIG. 39-

STARRING
FABRICE FLORIN

180

WRI’I-I’EN BY
JEFF BLATT
390~

DIRECTED BY
FABRICE FLORIN
PRODUCED BY
JOHN SCULLY
[ P, R~/IEWl
CREDITS

INFO
Length

TICKET

-’IG. 40

180

Jeff’s World
Rated R
Apple Pictures
90 min.
When a sleazy "IV exec offers
Jeff and John a fat contract
to tape their ~able-access show,
they can’t believe their luck.
But they soon discover the road from
basement to big tlme Is a gnarly one.
CREDITS
TICKET
382

384

386

388

FIG. 41

,/

180

TO SEE
JEFF’S WORLD
PLEASE ENTER YOUR MOVIEPASS NUMBER
~425

YOU WILL BE BILLED $3.00

LP..REVIEW|

~ ,<~

CREDITS

INFO

TICKET

388

FIG. 4?_

180

JEFF’S WORLD
STARTS IN
3 MINUTES

FIG.

I~ <]Thursday ’10/15 8PM,D
FAVORITES

180~

Manager’s Forum
Windsurfing <1> Basketba!
Jeff’s World
48 SlIP
-rv Shop; Cacy’,s ~
Sunny City Vacationtime
49 TRL
Technology Today
50 TCT
BILLBOARD
1 BILL
Sax Cymbals
6 VT1
7 XYZ
St. Louis at SF (6:30)
8 CMM Showbits This Month
Personal Story
9 A&B
10 NTV Rock Today <1> Party Time
12 BMT
13 ST
47 PXZ

Je~s~Worid

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 44 of 50

5,621,456
0
o
,~.

FL-Apple0001377

U.S. Patent

Apr. 15, 1997

Sheet 45 of 50

5,621,456

FL-Apple0001378

FIG. 46

~
the
attic cacy’s
180

i Duralite Cookware I @
Lucks Mini Espresso
Lucks Brewmaster
Regatta Home Bakery
Juice Tiger Extractor

406

FIG. 4"7

the.
attic cacy’s
~=~ ~ ~
]~ ..~ ,L~

Duralite.C.ookware

I~1 ’--- ~ ~

|~~
L. ~ !=~

"
Luck Re.gatta Home Bakery
Juice Tiger Extractor

FIG. 4 8

Lucks Mini Espr

180

Espresso and Cappuccito
maker from the world’s
leader In coffee and
expresso makers. W’~h
Perfect Froth nozzle for
perfect cappuccino.
LIMITED OFFER:
WSs $99.99 Now $69.99! (~)

4O8

FIG. 49

Lucks Mini Espresso

180

4 cup 10 oz
Price
Shop Card NUHBER
420-

I****1
OR CRLL 1-555-SHOPSPP

$69.99

Cal. Sales T~
Shipping,

5.61
3.00

Total Cost

$78.60

409

FIG. 50

Lucks Mini Espresso
180

4 cup 10 oz
Price
Your order
will be delivered
by RST tomorrow

before 5PM.

$69.99

Total Cost

$78.60

Cal. Sales Tax
Shipping

5.61
3.00

409

5,621,456
1

2

In the computer industry, a variety of graphic user interfaces have been developed to facilitate human interaction
with computer systems. Many display systems utilize metaphors in the design of the interface as a way of maximizing
5 human familiarity, and conveying information between the
user and the computer. It is well known that designing
RELATED APPLICATIONS
around a familiar metaphor helps reduce human learning
time (See for example, Patrick Chan, "Learning ConsiderThe present application is related to the following conations In User Interface Design: The Room Model", Report
temporancously filed applications:
lO CS-84-16, University of Waterloo Computer Science
(a) Ser. No. 08/082,081, entitled "An Audio-Visual Sys- Department, Ontario, Canada, July, 1984, and the references
tem For Selectively Viewing And Interacting With Programs cited therein). Research in interface design using metaphors
And Services From A Number of Program/Service Sources";
in man-machine interfaces may be applied to multi-media
(b) Set. No. 08/081,93 I, entitled "Method And Apparatus
systems, and in particular, to interactive television systems.
For Controlling An Audio-Visual System For Selectively 15 The marriage of video and television technology with
Viewing And Interacting With Programs And Services From
computer interface technology provides consumers with
A Number of Program/Service Sources";
maximum flexibility in storing, retrieving and viewing tele(c) Ser. No. 08!081,471, entitled "Methods And Apparatus
vision and other audio-visual programming. As will be
For Managing Viewing Of And Interaction With Audiodescribed, the present invention provides methods and appaVisual Program And Service Offerings".
20 ratus for presenting an improved audio-visual user interface,
which includes various user-selectable features for viewing
and controlling a television, video tape recorder (VCR) and
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
other audio-visual devices. As will be disclosed, the present
1. Field of the Invention
invention’s user interface provides a user-friendly mechaThe present invention relates to the field of audio-visual 25 nism for consumers to view, record, and play back TV and
A/V programs, as well as control other A/V home entertainsystems. More spedfically, the present invention relates to a
ment devices using a remote control device. Furthermore,
system for selectively viewing and interacting with proinformation such as TV program listings and additional
grams and services from a number of program/service
information related to programs as well as selecting and
sources, a control device for controlling the system, and the
methods and apparatus incorporated in the system for man- 30 controlling categories of interactive programs and services
may be provided through the user interface of the present
aging selection, viewing, and interacting with the program/
invention.
service offerings.
2. Art Background
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Over the past 40 years, television and motion pictures 35
have become an important aspect of everyday life for people
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for
in the industrialized world. The development of advanced
presenting an improved audio-visual user interface for
technology in the areas of digital and high definition teleselecting and displaying cable television or other audiovision (HDTV), video recording systems, laser disks and
visual programs, as well as controlling various audio-visual
compact disc (CD) entertainment systems, coupled with 40 devices and interactive services. The present invention
satellite, cable television and telephone services, have proassumes a service provider provides cable television and/or
vided opportunities for viewers to store, retrieve and selectelephone (T/T) service to users via a T/T cable, including a
tively display a variety of television and audio-visual or
digital channel of program/service listings, at least one
interactive programming on home entertainment systems.
digital back channel (from the user’s home to a central file
Over the past decade, improvements in personal computing 45 server), a number of analog TV channels, a number of digital
systems have provided a variety of powerful miniaturized
pay-per-view channels, and other interactive services transpersonal computers which permit the storage of data and
mitted from remote storage devices such as digital file
control of home appliances, such as entertainment systems,
servers. Under the present invention an interactive audiothrough the use of microprocessors. Additionally, a variety
visual (A/V) transceiver is advantageously coupled to a
of graphic user interfaces have been developed to ease 50 user’s television, video tape recorder, and the T/T cable. In
human interaction with these new personal computer sysone embodiment, the transceiver includes three primary
tems.
modules. A main module includes a central processing unit
The combination of computer technology with television
(CPU) coupled over a digital system bus to system memory
(TV) and audio-visual (A/V) systems, has fostered the
and, preferably, an infrared (IR) or similar wireless control
development of multi-media interactive entertainment sys- 55 unit. The main module is further coupled over an audiotems. The combination of computer hardware and software
visual bus to an A/V decoder, an A/V processor, an A/V
with audio-visual systems has brought new forms of art and
encoder, a TV, an A/V connect module connected to the
entertainment into being. CD read only memory (ROM) cable, and to one or more VCRs and other A/V devices. The
main module may also be coupled to an optional CD ROM
systems coupled to personal computers permit interactive
video computer simulations, unique self-paced learning 60 module, to permit the playback of multi-media CD ROM
environments and interactive "movies", not possible in
titles, audio CDs, and the like. Other optional modules or
earlier television systems (See, "The Revolution Starts
external devices (such as additional VCRs, CDs, hard disks,
Here", Newsweek, page 42 (Jan. 18, 1993)). It is known that telephone, fax and answering machines) may be connected
consumers desire interactive television and multi-media to this transceiver and controlled through the use of the
applications for home use. One of the biggest challenges for 65 audio-visual user interface of the present invention. The A/V
an interactive television service is the design of an interface
transceiver hardware is complemented with an operating
that is easy and fun to use by average consumers.
system software program which supports the functions proMETHODS AND APPARATUS FOR
AUDIO-VISUAL INTERFACE FOR THE
DISPLAY OF MULTIPLE PROGRAM
CATEGORIES

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vided in the present invention’s audio-visual user interface.
on connected A/V playback devices, a numeric keypad for
dialing channel numbers, confirming financial transactions
In operation, the cable or telephone service provider
with personal identification numbers, an optional microtransmits an interleaved data stream preferably including a
phone with talk button for supplementing the present user
television program listing, together with program titles,
interface with direct voice commands through the use of
program times, categories, channel numbers and the like,
from a central file server on the digital channel of program
voice recognition technology, a pay-per view interface, and
listings to the transceiver. The data is interleaved such that
a home shopping interface, as well as other features
the current day’s data is followed by other weekly data.
described herein.
A remote control device is preferably provided for comBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
municating with the transceiver, and includes a number of
user selectable interactive functions such as: an info button,
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the audio-visual
a list button, a categories button, a pix button, a mark button,
(A/V) system of the present invention.
a jump button, a selecl button, and a pointing device
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the major
consisting of a set of cross-hair arrow buttons (up, down,
components of the audio-visual transceiver of FIG. 1 in
left, right) or other pointing devices capable of providing the 15
further detail.
same functions (such as a mouse, thumb stick or touch pad).
FIG. 3a diagramatically illustrates the electronic spectrum
While viewing the TV, a user may obtain additional inforutilized by the present invention.
mation on a current program by depressing the info button,
and obtaining more detailed information using the pointing
FIG. 3b conceptually illustrates the present invention’s
device. By depressing the list button on the remote control 2o use of an interleaving data stream to download program/
device, the transceiver displays a program listing of the
service listings, and other information, to the present invencurrent programs available for viewing. Through the use of
tion’s A/V transceiver.
the pointing device, viewers can scroll up and down the
FIG. 4a illustrates one embodiment of the remote control
program listing or view a highlighted program in full screen
device of the present invention with the sliding panel in a
by pressing the select button. By pushing the right or left 25 closed position.
arrow buttons on the pointing device, program listings may
FIG. 4b illustrates the first embodiment of the remote
also be viewed for different hours, days and up to several
control device of the present invention shown in FIG. 4a
weeks in advance through the present invention’ s use of data
with the sliding panel in an open position.
interleaving. The depression of the categories button on the
FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a second embodiment of the
remote control device results in the display of a categories 3o
remote control device of the present invention with no
menu bar on the TV screen, which includes categories such
sliding panel and additional features.
as "all", "sports", "news" and "favorites". The selection of
FIG. 6 illustrates the present invention’s full screen viewone of these categories results in the display of only proing function as viewed by a user with a graphic overlay
grams within that category. Moreover, through the depressions of both the list button and the categories button, a 35 panel which includes the current channel number as well as
the channel logo and identifier.
program listing is displayed of the currently available programs within the selected category. Through the use of the
FIG. 7 illustrates the present invention’s info function
arrow buttons on the pointing device, category listings for
showing the first page of the basic information track ("infodifferent times and dates up to several weeks in advance may
track").
also be viewed. The selection of the favorites category 40 FIG. 8 illustrates the present invention’s info function
results in the display of currently available favorite prowith a second page of basic information, obtained by using
grams, including programs that are frequently watched by a
the right arrow button on the remote control device.
particular TV household, marked programs, or programs
FIG. 9 is an additional illustration of the inlb function of
that match preselected user preferences.
the present invention in which the user has requested a third
The depression of the pix button results in the display of 45 page of information using the remote control device.
a "visual menu" of multiple picture-in-picture (PIP) winFIG. 10 illustrates the present invention’s use of the info
dows along the perimeter of the TV screen. Each of the PIP
function providing the user with additional tracks of inforwindows displays one of the programs currently being
mation (such as the "Tid Bits" information track), by using
received by the A/V transceiver in the last category selected
the down arrow button of the remote control device.
by the viewer. The PIP windows are displayed at a variable 50
FIG. 11 is a further illustration of additional information
frame rate (N) (depending on the number of windows), and
tracks ("info-tracks"), such as this "Info Mart", accessible to
are captured by one or more tuners in the transceiver. A
the user of the present invention using the down arrow
center PIP window displays a larger video image (along with
button of the remote control device.
audio) of the currently highlighted PIP window. The other
FIG. 12 illustrates the present invention’s use of the list
PIP windows can be similarly viewed by using the pointing 55
function to display current program/service listings and to
device on the remote control. The depression of the mark
highlight a particular program. Viewers may scroll up or
button allows users to "bookmark" a particular program for
down that list by using the up or down arrow buttons on the
later viewing. The depression of the jump button allows a
remote control device.
user to jump between previously marked programs.
Additional features, functions, and interface screens are 60 FIG. 13 illustrates the list function of the present invention in which the NTV programming during the hour of 8:00
available to the viewer using the teachings of the present
to 9:00 p.m. includes two programs, one starting at 8:00
invention, including a menu button for controlling other
p.m., the other starting after the previous program has ended.
devices connected to the A/V transceiver (such as CD, VCR,
etc.), a record button for making copies of programs onto
FIG. 14 illustrates the list function of the present invenconnected A/V recording devices (such as VCRs, hard disks, 65 tion which allows the user to highlight the second program,
etc.), a plurality of control buttons for playing back, stopwhich starts at 8:10 p.m., using the right arrow button of the
ping, rewinding, or fast-forwarding audio-visual programs
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FIG. 15 is an additional feature of the list function of the
programs", is highlighted displaying a list of previously
marked programs.
present invention where the user marks the highlighted
program with the mark button of the remote control device.
FIG. 33 conceptually illustrates the pix function of the
FIG. 16 illustrates the selection of an alternate hourly time
present invention wherein multiple PIP windows are disslot beginning at 9 p.m. using the right arrow button of the 5 played by pressing the pix button on the remote control
remote control device.
device.
FIG. 17 illustrates the selection of an alternate day for the
FIG. 34 illustrates the pix function of the present invention in which a new PIP window has been highlighted and
program/service listing by depressing the right arrow button
of the remote control device.
is displayed in a larger format in the center of the display
FIG. 18 illustrates displaying of a record panel confirming10 screen.
the title and length of the program to be recorded, along with
FIG. 35 is a further illustration of the present invention’s
a confirmation of which VCR and tape to record on, by pix function in which, through the use of the remote control
depressing a sclcct button in the remote control device.
device, a PIP window showing a pay-per-view program has
FIG. 19 illustrates the present invention’s use of the select
been highlighted and is displayed in the center portion of the
button on the remote control device while the program/ 15 screen.
service listing is displayed to instruct the selected VCR or
FIG. 36 illustrates the menu function which permits users
A/V recording device to make a copy of the highlighted
to press a menu button to switch thc television display to
program.
other audio-visual devices coupled to the transceiver, such
FIG. 20 illustrates the present invention’s "reminder"
as VCR, CD, on-line services, telephone, etc. For example,
feature, which automatically displays a live picture-in-pic-20 once VCR is selected, with the right arrow button, the TV
ture (PIP) window of a previously marked program when the displays an image from the videotape currently in the VCR
program is received by the A/V transceiver.
and the user can press the play button on the remote to
FIG. 21 illustrates the present invention’s jump function,
playback a previously recorded program on the video tape.
wherein pressing a jump button one the remote control
FIG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of the present invendevice permits a user to jump directly to a full screen view25
tion for selecting a pay-per-view channel offering entitled
of a previously marked program, and wherein pressing the
"Jeff’s World" through the use of the select button of the
jump button again results in the display of another marked
remote control device.
program.
FIG. 38 illustrates a preview feature of pay-per-view
FIG. 22 illustrates the categories function of the present
invention which is displayed by pressing the categories 30 under the above illustratcd embodiment.
button on the remote control device.
FIG. 39 illustrates a credits feature of pay-per-view under
the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 23 further illustrates the categories function wherein
the "favorites" category is highlighted by pressing the right
FIG. 41} illustrates an info feature of pay-per-view under
arrow button on the remote control device.
the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 24 further illustrates the categories function wherein 35 FIG. 41 illustrates a confirmation feature for ordering a
the "sports" category is highlighted by depressing the right
pay-per-view offering through the use of the numeric keypad
arrow button on the remote control device.
on the remote control device under the above illustrated
embodiment.
FIG. 25 illustrates a representative television image in the
case where the "sports" category has been selected by 40
FIG. 42 illustrates the reminder feature advising the user
depressing the select button on the remote control device.
that the selected offering of pay-per-view will begin in three
minutes under the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a further illustration of a representative television image in which the "sports" category has been
FIG. 43 illustrates one embodiment of the present invenselected, and an alternate sports channel has been further
tion for selecting and interacting with a home shopping
selected by a user through the use of the up arrow button on 45 service (TV Shop) offering.
the remote control device.
FIG. 44 illustrates a sample commercial shown to the user
FIG. 27 illustrates a sports program listing in which the
if the home shopping service is selected through the use of
list button has been depressed after the "sports" category has
the select button on the remote control device under the
been selected.
above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 28 illustrates the categories function in conjunction 50 FIG. 45 illustrates a menu permitting the user to select
with the list function.
various shops available on the home shopping service using
the select button on the remote control device under the
FIG. 29 further illustrates the categories and list functions
above illustrated embodiment.
when the down arrow button is depressed on the remote
control device, breaking down the "sports" category into
FIG. 46 is a further illustration of the home shopping
55 service in which a cookware product is highlighted under the
sub-categories such as baseball or football.
above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a further illustration of the categories and list
functions in which the category "favorites" is highlighted
FIG. 47 is a further illustration of the home shopping
and can now be selected by depressing the select button or
service in which a mini-espresso machine is highlighted, and
broken down into sub-categories by depressing the down 60 can be selected for ordering with the select button on the
arrow button on the remote control device.
remote control device under the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 31 further illustrates the categories and list functions,
where the "favorites" category has been broken down into a
FIG. 48 is an information screen provided to the user after
sub-category of "frequent" programs which are currently
selecting a mini-espresso machine for ordering under the
listed.
65 above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a further illustration of the categories and list
FIG. 49 is an order screen in which the user, using the
functions, where another "favorites" sub-category, "marked
numeric keypad on the remote control device, enters a

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personal identification number to order the mini-espresso
machine under the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 50 is a sample order confirmation provided to the
user subsequent to ordering a product in the home shopping
5
service under the above illustrated embodiment.

info, list, record, mark, jump, category, pix and menu
functions, as well as the overall structure and operation of
the present invention’s user interface.
In addition, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as functional blocks representing data processing devices, and metaphors such as
NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
screen, menu and other configurations to assist the user in
navigating through the user interface, etc., to provide a
The detailed descriptions which follow arc presented
thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
largely in terms of interface display images, algorithms, and 10 it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
symbolic representations of operations of data bits within a
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In
computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and repother instances, well known circuits and structures are not
resentations are the means used by those skilled in the data
described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention
processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of
unnecessarily. For the purpose of this application, the word
their work to others skilled in the art.
15 "audio-visual" and its abbreviation, "A/V", will be used
An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self
interchangeably and will have the same meaning.
consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result.
General System Configuration
These steps are those requiring physical manipulations of
physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these
The multi-media interactive television system of the
quantifies take the form of electrical or magnetic signals20 present invention is illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 1.
capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared,
As shown in FIG. 1, a cable or telephone service provider 50
displayed and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient
provides cable television or telephone (T/T) services over a
at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer
T/l" cable 52 to a plurality of users coupled to the cable or
to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, charactelephone system, as is known. Although in this Specificaters, images, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne 25 tion reference is made to a cable television or telephone
in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to
system, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that
be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and
the present invention may be used in conjunction with a
are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.
variety of other electronic transmission systems including
In the present case, the operations are machine operations
satellite service systems, microwave systems, fiber optic,
performed in conjunction with a human operator. Useful 3o and radio frequency (RE) systems.
machines for performing the operations of the present invenAs illustrated in FIG. 1, the T/T cable 52 is coupled to an
tion include general purpose digital computers, digitally
audio-visual transceiver 54 which comprises a number of
controlled displays or other similar devices. In all cases,
separately identifiable modules. The transceiver 54 is
there should be borne in mind the distinction between the
intended to be located in proximity to and coupled to a VCR
method operations of operating a computer and/or display 35 56, a television (TV) 58, as well as one or more optional
system, and the method of computation itself. The present
audio-visual devices 57 such as additional VCRs, laser disc
invention relates to method steps for operating a computer
players, camcorders, stereos, various storage devices, teleand interactive display system, and processing electrical or
phones, faxes and answering machines, as shown. Moreother physical signals to generate other desired physical
40 over, it is contemplated that transceiver 54 may be directly
signals.
incorporated into the VCR 56, the TV 58, or one the other
The present invention also relates to apparatus for perA/V devices 57. As will be described below, a remote
forming these operations. This apparatus may be specially
control device 60 communicates with the transceiver 54
constructed for the required purposes or it may comprise a
preferably through a wireless transmission signal (for
general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigan infrared (Ill) signal), or other mechanisms
45 example, the art. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
ured by a computer program stored in the computer. The
known in
method steps presented herein are not inherenfly related to
transceiver 54 is further capable of communicating with the
any particular computer or other apparatus. In particular,
television 58, the VCR 56 and the other A/V devices 57
various general purpose machines may be used with prothrough infrared or other means.
grams in accordance with the teachings heroin, or it may
50 Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transceiver 54
prove more convenient to construct more specialized appacomprises three primary modules: a main module 112, an A/V
ratus to perform the required method steps. The required
connect module 66 and an optional compact disc read only
structure for a variety of these machines will appear from the
memory (CD ROM) module 70. The main module 112
description given below. Machines which may perform the
includes a central processing unit (CPU) ~13 coupled over a
functions of the present invention include those manufac55 system bus 64 to a system memory t15 and an infra-red (IR)
tured by the Assignee, Apple Computer, Inc., as well as other
control unit 82, which sends and receives wireless control
manufacturers of computer and computer controlled mutisignals to and from the remote control device 60. The CPU
media systems.
t13 is further coupled through the system bus ~14 to a memory

and bus controller 80, which is itself coupled through an A/V
60 decoder 74 and an A/V encoder 78 to the A/V connect
module ~iti, as well as to an optional CD ROM module 70.
The CPU 63 is also coupled through the system bus 64, the
The following detailed description will be divided into
memory and bus controller 80 and an A/V bus 73 to an A/V
several sections. The first of these will describe a general
system arrangement for receiving and generating the audio- processor 77 and an optional A/V memory 75.
visual user interface of the present invention. Subsequent 65
The A/V connect module 66 switches and receives analog
sections will deal with the functional aspects such as the
audio-visual signals and digital data from a plurality of
present invention’s interactive functions, which includes the
audio-visual sources including the T/T cable 52, the video
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION

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cassette recorder (VCR) 56, or the other A/V devices 57, and such as order information sent by the CPU 63 through the
couples those signals and data to the main. module 62
memory and bus controller 80 and the system bus 64 and
through the video decoder 74. The A/V connect module
transmit them to the service provider 50 through the A/V
further switches audio-visual signals and data received from
connect module 66 and a back channel 102 described below.
the main module 112 through the video encoder 78, and sends 5 The CPU 63 is also coupled over the system bus 64 to a
them back out to the T/T cable 52, the VCR 56, the other system memory 65 including both volatile and non-volatile
A/V devices 57 and/or the TV 58. The A/V connect module memory components. The non-volatile part of system
66 includes a switcher 69 and one or more programmable memory 65 includes read-only memory (such as ROM),
tuners/demodulators 67, wherein one tuner/demodulator
reads and displays a current program from one of the lO which is used to store an operating system and playback
software, fonts, sounds and the like used in the present
channels received over the T/T cable 52, and additional
invention. The non-volatile part of system memory 65 also
tuners/demodulators (or the same tuner/demodulator, used
includes rewritable memory (such as SRAM), which is used
in alternation) are used to read and display data from the
for persistent storage of mark or record indicators, listings of
side-band channels in picture-in-picture (pip) windows. In
addition, the A/V connect module 66 may include descram- programs viewed or taped, and other user preferences.
bling circuitry (not shown) to descramble premium pro-]5 Additionally, the volatile part of system memory 65 includes
sulfcient random access memory (such as RAM or DRAM)
grams received over the T/T cable 52. It is further contemfor the temporary storage of data received over the T/T cable
plated that the A/V connect module 66 provides a graphic
52 or from the other devices 56-58 connected to the transoverlay function that superimposes an A/V signal from the
ceiver 54.
video encoder 78 against another A/V signal from the T/I"
20 The transceiver 54 can also include an optional CD ROM
cable 52, the VCR 56, or the other A/V devices 57 allowing
both signals to be simultaneously displayed on the TV 58,
module 70 coupled through the memory and bus controller
the VCR 56 or the other A/V devices 157. Finally, the A/V 80 to the system bus 114 and the CPU 63. This optional CD
ROM module 70 constitutes a general purpose storage
connect module 66 can be used to transmit data such as order
information to the cable (T/T) service provider 50 over a device to permit playback of optical compact discs (CDs),
25 including multi-media CD ROM titles, audio CDs, photo
back channel 102 described below.
CDs, and motion picture CDs on the TV 58. It is contemThe A/V decoder 74 is used to decode data encoded in the
plated that those transceivers which do not include an
vertical blanking interval or special side-band cable chaninternal CD ROM module could instead include a CD ROM
nels into digital data and couple them to the CPU 63 through
the memory and bus controller 80 and the system bus 64. 3o interface allowing users to connect an external CD ROM
drive to the transceiver $4 at a later date. It is also contemFurthermore, the A/V decoder 74 is used to convert analog
plated that this CD ROM module 71) may in the future use
audio-visual signals from the A/V connect module 66 into
different electronic, magnetic, optical or storage technolodigital A/V data and couple them to the A/V processor 77
gies other than the current CD ROM embodiment.
through the memory and bus controller 80 and the A/V bus
73. Moreover, the A/V decoder 74 may be used to resize35
Additional modules may be added to the transceiver 54
audio-visual signals from the A/V connect module 66 in
including, for example, such options as a small computer
order to create picture-in-picture windows and the like. It is
system interface (SCSI) for accessing digital storage devices
also contemplated that the A/V decoder 74 may be used to
such as hard disks, a modem for exchanging digital data over
telephone lines, or a serial port for controlling other devices
decompress certain analog or digital signals (such as MPEG
motion video and the like) and couple them to the A/V 4O over a wired connection. Another module presently being
processor 77 through the memory and bus controller 80 and
contemplated is a remote beeper button for locating the
remote control device ti0. Many consumers often misplace
the A/V bus 73.
their remote control devices, and it is contemplated that the
The memory and bus controller 80 is used to route data
present invention may provide a function wherein a speaker
and control signals between the system bus ~4, the A/V bus
73, the A/V decoder 74, the A/V encoder 78 and the optional 45 on remote control 611 would beep while the beeper button is
CD ROM module 70. The A/V bus 73 is a high-speed digital pressed until the user locates the remote control.
bus used to free up the system bus 64 during the transmisReferring now to FIG. 3a, there is shown one possible
electronic spectrum of signals provided by the cable T/T
sion of large amount of audio-visual data between the A/V
processor 77, the optional A/V memory 75 and, through the
service provider 511 over the T/T cable 52 to the transceiver
memory and bus controller 80, the A/V decoder 74, the A/V5O 54. As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the spectrum includes at least
encoder 78, and the optional CD ROM module 711. The A/V one digital program listing channel 100, a plurality of back
processor 77 coupled to the A/V bus 73 is used to manipuchannels 1112, and a plurality of standard analog TV channels
1113. In addition, and as will be described more fully below,
late, process, render, mix and otherwise re-arrange digital
the spectrum includes pay-per-view digital channels 1116,
data into coherent audio-visual displays. An optional A/V
memory module 75 also coupled to the A/V bus 73 can be 55 and further additional definable digital channels 1118 offering
used to store A/V data before or after processing by the A/V
a variety of interactive services, in addition to the general
processor 77 (using components such as video random
purpose or special channels or services particular to the
access memory (VRAM) to hold, for example, a frame specific application of the present invention.
buffer equivalent to one 640×480×8-bit color image in
As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the digital program listing
memory).
6o channel 1110 provides data representing daily and weekly
program listings and related information from the service
The A/V encoder 78, coupled to the A/V bus 73 through
provider 511 to the transceiver 54. As shown in FIG. 3b, the
the memory and bus controller 80, is used to convert digital
A/V data from the A/V processor 77 or the optional A/V
listing channel 11111 includes a repetitive data stream having
memory 75 into analog audio-visual signals which are
data representing today’s listing 1111 interleaved with weekly
routed to the TV 58, the VCR 56 or the other A/V devices 65 listings. For example, there is shown today’s data 1111,
through the A/V connect module 66. It is also contemplated
followed by Monday’s data 112, and then once again folthat the A/V encoder 78 may be used to encode other data
lowed by today’s data 1111. As seen in FIG. 3b, Tuesday’s

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data 114 is followed once again by today’s data 110, and
thereafter by Wednesday’s data 116. Wednesday’s data 116
is followed by today’s data 110, and thereafter by Thursday’s data 118. Thursday’s data 118 is followed once again
by today’s data 110, and thereafter by Friday’s data 119. 5
Finally, following today’s data 110, Monday’s data 112 is
once again transmitted along the data stream provided by the
service provider 50. For programming purposes, the data
preferably will include titles of programs, show times,
special captions, length information, categories, and key
words, as well as channel numbers provided from the service 10
provider 50 over the T/T cable 52, and received by the
transceiver 54. The data stream is an interleaved data stream
which repeats on a weekly basis as shown in FIG. 3b. It is
presently contemplated that there would be at least 100
different channels of programs and/or services. A weekly 15
program!service listing with information relating to 1013
channels of programs/services could require over 2 megabytes of information. This data stream of programs/services
listing information (illustrated in FIG. 3b) is received by the
transceiver’s main CPU module 62, whereafter the sections 20
that are most relevant to the users are stored in the system
memory 65. By interleaving the current day’s data with the
weekly data, the daily data, the CPU module 62 can update
the system memory 65 periodically and still provides quick
access to the viewer, without having to store all the received 25
program/service information, thereby reducing the amount
of system memory 65 required and the associated hardware

ment, when TV is selected, the list button 138 permits the
user to view current and future TV listings up to one week
in advance. The categories button 140 permits the viewer to
select programs/services by category. For example, and as
will be described below, the user may desire to watch only
sports programs, only news programs, or the like. As will be
disclosed, the categories button 140, and the list button 138
operate in concert to provide listings of selected categories,
such as sports or news programs, on the TV 58. The mark
button 142 permits the user to mark programs for reminders,
later recall, or switching between programs which have been
selected using the mark button 142. A jump button 132 lets
the user switch to thc program that was last marked, then to
the program that was marked before that, and so on, until all
marked programs have been shown, looping back to the last
marked program again. As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the
jump button 132 and the mark button 142 are placed side by
side together on the dividing line between the first and
second control button groups 115 and 134 to emphasize their
interrelation.
Also provided with the interactive control button group
134 is a pointing device consisting of an up arrow button
145, a down arrow button 146, a left arrow button 148, and
a right arrow button 150. For example, if the user is viewing
a program/service listing through the use of list button 138,
and desires to scroll up or down within the listing, the up
arrow button 145 and the down arrow button 146 are
utilized. In addition, a center select button 155 is provided
COSt.
for permitting the user to select one of several choices,
Referring once again to FIG. 3a, the back channels 102
3o represented by words or icons in graphic menus or lists
are used to engage in a variety of transactions, such as
displayed on the TV 58, for example a "bull’s eye" as shown
ordering products, home banking services and pay-per-view
in FIG. 5a. As will be described, the interactive control
movies, as will be described more fully below. In operation,
button group 134 may be used in a variety of applications,
any request by a user to view a pay-per-view movie or order
including selection of pay-per-view channels, home shopa product is transmitted to the service provider 50 over at 35 ping services, and the like, as well as to display and control
least one back channel 102 through the T/T cable 52. It is
programs from other A/V devices connected to the transcontemplated that as channel capacity increases, so will the
ceiver 54.
number of back channels, allowing for broader band twoThe third control button group is the auxiliary control
way communications such as telephone conversations or
button group 160 comprising various A/V control buttons
interaction with on-line networks.
40 for controlling the VCR 56 or the other A/V devices 57
Referring now to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and FIGS. 5a and 5b, two
connected to the transceiver 54. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the
alternative embodiments of the remote control device 60 are
auxiliary control button group 160 includes a record button
shown in further detail. It is expected that the model shown
162, a rewind button 164, a stop arrow button 166, a
in FIGS. Sa and 5b would be more commonly used. As
play/pause button 168, a fast forward button 170, and a
illustrated in the figures, both embodiments of the remote 45 menu button 172. In accordance with the teachings of the
control device 60 are comprised of four control button
present invention, the user depresses the record button 162
groups 115, 134, 160 and 176. These control button groups
while watching a television program on TV 58, which brings
115, 134, 160 and 176 will first be described briefly here, and
up a record panel confirming the current program’s title and
theh usage will be described in further detail below.
length, along with a highlighted select icon and confirmation
The first control button group is the basic control button 5o ofwhichA/V device and type to use for recording. Once the
group 115 which includes standard television control butceuter select button 155 is depressed, the VCR 56 or the
tons such as power on/off button 120, volume control button
other selected A/V device 57 begins to record the program
122 and a mute button 125. Moreover, channel up/down
currently being viewed by the user. Alternatively, if the user
buttons 130 are provided Lo the embodiment illustrated in
has pressed list button 138, and a program listing is highFIGS. 4a and 4b to increment or decrement the currently 55 lighted, pressing the record button 162, and then the center
viewed channel on television 58, as is well known. For the
select button 155 results in the VCR 56 being programmed
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the channel
to record the particular show highlighted in the program
control function is effectuated using the up and down arrow
listing. Pressing the menu button 172 displays icons for all
buttons 145 and 146.
the A/V devices 57 currently connected to the transceiver 54
The second control button group is the interactive control 60 and allows users to select another device with the arrow
buttons. Pressing the center select button 155 displays the
button group 134 which includes an info button 136, a list
output of that device and lets the user control that device.
button 138, a categories button 140, and a mark button 142.
The info button 136 permits the user to obtain multiple
The fourth control button group is the numeric keypad
levels of information on programs while the user is watching
panel 176, which permits the user to directly enter channel
one of the program offerings on the TV 58 (or other AJV 65 numbers to be viewed on the TV 58 by pressing a single,
devices). The list button 138 permits the user to view listings
double or triple digit number, followed by the ok button 178
for programs/services. In the presently preferred embodi(FIG. 5a). For the remote control device 60 shown in in FIG.

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4b, the user would depress the select button 155 after
entering values using the keypad 176. In addition, the
numeric keypad 176 may be used by the user to enter a
personal identification number ("PIN"), to be transmitted to
the service provider 50 through the A/V connect module 66 5
for payment of pay-per-view movies, products and the like.
In addition to the control button groups, both embodiments comprise a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting
signals to the audio-visual system. Additionally, the model
10
illustrated in FIGS. 5a-Sb is further provided with a talk
button 181, a microphone 179, a speaker 182 and a receiver
(not shown). The talk button 181 when depressed allows the
user to speak into the microphone 179, thereby providing
input to the A/V system through voice, and receive voice
feedback from the A/V system through the speaker 182. 15

highlighted, to indicate that no additional information will
be displayed if the up arrow button 145 is depressed.
Referring now to FIG. 8, which illustrates a new graphic
overlay panel 1911 displayed in response to the user having
depressed the right arrow button 150 on the remote control
device 60 while using the information function. The transceiver 54 provides additional information on the currently
viewed program. As illustrated, an additional page of information on the program currently viewed is displayed. For
example, additional guests on the show "Showbits This
Month" include "Madeline, Harold Black and Harmer".
Referring now to FIG. 9, which illustrates another new
graphic overlay panel 190 displayed in response to the user
having depressed the right arrow button 150 again. A third
page of information is displayed on the screen 180 relating
to the currently viewed program "Showbits This Month". It
will be noted that the currently viewed television program
Full Screen Viewing Function
("Showbits This Month" in this example) continues to be
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a representative20 viewed in the main portion of the screen 180, while different
graphic overlay panels 1911 are superimposed over the lower
full screen audio-visual program displayed on the screen 180
third portion of the screen 180.
of the TV 58. By depressing the channel up/down buttons
In the currently preferred embodiment, a user may selec130 on the remote in FIGS. 4a and 4b, (or by depressing the
tively move between pages of information relating to the
up and down arrow buttons 145 and 146 on the remote
control device in FIGS. Sa-$b), users can switch channels as25 currently viewed program by pressing the right arrow button
is commonly done with regular TV remotes. As the user 1511 or the left arrow button 148 on the remote control device
60, or alternatively, the main module 62 will automatically
selects a channel to view using the remote control device 60,
scroll through the various pages of information with a
a graphic overlay panel 185 is displayed in the lower right
predetermined amount of display time for each page of
hand portion of screen 180. As illustrated, the graphic
overlay panel 185 includes the channel number currently 30 infurmation.
being viewed 18t1 along with the channel logo and identifier
Referring now to FIG. 111, there is shown a currently
188. Additionally, a marking identifier 189, such as a check viewed baseball game entitled "Saint Louis at San Franmark, is also displayed, as will be described, to indicate that
cisco" displayed on the screen 180. Assume now the user
the program has been marked through the use of the mark
also depresses the info button 136 on tl~e remote control
button 142 previously discussed with reference to the remote 35 device 611. As previously described, information relating to
the currently viewed program is displayed within the graphic
control device of FIGS. 4a, 4b, and FIGS. Sa and
overlay panel 190. (n the present example, information
relating to the baseball player, "John Smith", is provided
Information Function
within the overlay 190. In the event the down arrow 210 is
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the screen 180 in highlighted, an additional information track is available to
40
additional information track may
which the information (info) function 136 has been the user. Thisuse of down arrow button 146 onbe displayed
through the
the remote
requested by the user. As the user is watching a particular
control device 60, and is referred to here as "Tid Bits". As
television program on the TV 58, he may depress the info
button 136 to obtain information in the form of a graphic shown in FIG. 10, the "Tid Bits" information track gives
particular subject
overlay panel 190 on the screen 180. In operation, the 45 additional information relating to the180. In the example
currently being displayed on the screen
transceiver 54 coupled with the main module 62 through the
of FIG. 10, the first baseman John Smith is currently being
A/V connect module 66 superimposes the graphic overlay
viewed on the screen 180, and information relating to John
panel 1911 against the currently displayed video image. This
Smith is provided in the graphic overlay panel 190. It will
process is also used in other functions, such as the full screen
viewing function, where the graphic overlay panel 185 is 50 also be noted that in FIG. 10, the down arrow 210 is
highlighted, indicating that yet another information track is
superimposed on the screen 180. The overlay graphic panel
available.
190 contains an "i" logo 192 indicating that the information
Still referring to FIG. 10, it will be noted that a down
button 136 has been depressed, and also displays the title of
arrow 210 is shown. By depressing the down arrow button
the currently viewed program 194 ("Showbits This Month"
in this example), a category name 196 ("News" in this55 146 on the remote control device 60 once again, an Info Mart
example), and the length of the overall program ("60 min" track information track as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed by
in this example). In addition, the channel number and CPU 63 in the graphic overlay panel 190. As illustrated, the
Info Mart information track provides the viewer with the
network logo ("8" and "CMM" in this example) are also
opportunity to purchase products, services, programs and the
provided to the user. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the overall
length of the currently viewed program is graphically illus- 60 like related to the program which is currently being viewed
trated, by a time bar 2110 showing how much time remains (in the present example, the baseball game "Saint Louis at
before the program ends. A left arrow 2111, a right arrow 202, San Francisco"). The information track disappears when the
info button 136 is pressed again.
and a down arrow 210 are displayed and highlighted to
indicate that the left arrow button 1,18, the right arrow button
While the information has been described with the left
150, and the down arrow button 146, of the remote control 65 and arrow arrow buttons 148 and 150 causing different pages
device 611 can be depressed to cause additional information
of an information track to be displayed, and the up and down
arrow buttons 145 and 146 causing different information
to be depressed. An up arrow 2115 is also displayed, but is not

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tracks to be displayed, it is contemplated that the informamay be selected by pressing the up arrow button 145 or the
tion displayed may be related to each other in other applidown arrow button 146 on the remote control device 60 to
move the highlighting over to alternate program/service
cation dependent manners. It is further contemplated that
offerings. For example, if the user presses the down arrow
this information function can also be used with audio-visual
programs or services other than TV shows, in particular 5 button 146, as shown in FIG. 13, the NTV listing is then
highlighted. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, by continuing to
when the menu button 172 is used to display the output of
the VCR 56, the CD 70, a hard disk, a telephone or another depress the down arrow button 146, the highlighting continues to move upward towards the lower channel numbers
other A/V device 57 connected to the transceiver 54.
and once the highlighting reaches Channel 9, the entire
The data comprising the information of the various inforprogram/service listing scrolls to display consecutively
mation tracks shown in FIGS. 7-11 are downloaded usinglO lower channel numbers previously not displayed. At the
the method illustrated in FIG. 3b, i.e. the interleaved data
same time, the higher channel numbers previously displayed
stream transmitted from the service provider 50, to the
at the bottom part of the screen 180 will consecutively
transceiver 54. The data are stored in the system memory 65
disappear. As illustrated in FIG. 14, Channels 7 and 8 are
and updated as new data are received over the digital
now displayed, and Channels 19 and 20 are no longer
program listing channel 100. Alternatively, data displayed in 15 displayed to the user. If the up arrow button 145 is now
the information tracks such as the exemplary Tid Bits or
pressed instead, the highlighting will move down towards
Info-Mart information tracks may be transmitted by the
the higher channel numbers as illustrated in FIG. 14. Notaservice provider 50 to the transceiver 54 using the vertical
bly, movement of the program/service listing and the highlighting in the present invention are specifically calculated to
blanking intervals, which are inherently part of the analog
TV channel 103 used to display the currently viewed pro- 20 conform with an average person’s expectations in using a
television remote control. While the list function has been
gram on the TV 58. In another embodiment, data comprising
described with the down arrow button 146 causing highthe information tracks may be transmitted and downloaded
lighting to move towards the lower channel numbers, and
through the use of separate info-track channels comprising
the up arrow button 145 causing highlighting to move
additional channels in the electronic spectrum illustrated in
25 towards the higher channel numbers, it will be appreciated
FIG. 3a.
that the correspondence between the arrow buttons 145 and
146 and the highlighting movement may be implemented in
List Function
other ways as best suits the anticipated user of the interface
system.
Referring now to FIG. 12, the list function of the present
invention will be described. While viewing a television 30 Skipping now to FIG. 16, a further feature of the list
function of the present invention is illustrated. In the event
program displayed on the TV 58, the user may depress the
the user depresses the right arrow button 150, the CPU 63
list button 138 on the remote control device 60 to obtain a
displays the next hourly time slot listing on the screen 180.
program!service listing for the current date and time during
In the example of FIG. 16, the time slot for 9:00-10:00 p.m.
which the user is watching television. As shown in FIG. 12,
is illustrated. It
appreciated that, had
upon depressing the list button 138, a program/service 35 depressed the leftwill bebutton 148 three times, the user
arrow
then the
listing 220 is displayed for the current date and time at which
program/service listing for 6:00-7:00 p.m. would have been
the viewer has depressed the list button 138. As illustrated,
displayed. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the conprograms/services currently available for viewing and intertinued depression of the right arrow button 150 for a
action are identified by their channel numbers, channel name
predetermined
time (in
identifiers (for example, Channel 10, NTV), and by titles of for more than 2 amount ofresults in the present embodiment
40
seconds)
the display of program/
the programs/services. In the event that the program/service
service listings for subsequent days. In this case, the conlisting includes two programs for a given time interval, then
tinued depression of the right arrow button 150 has resulted
the names of both programs are displayed. For example, in
in a scanning of the program/service listings through to
FIG. 12, Channel 10 is NTV which beginning at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 17. It will be noted that in the currently
is showing a program entitled "Rock Today", and beginning 45 preferred embodiment, a scanning of subsequent days
at 8:10 p.m. is showing a program called "Party Time". In results in the display of the program/service listing from the
addition, as shown in FIG. 12, a picture-in-picture window
beginning of prime time, namely, 6:00 p.m. (or 7:00 p.m., at
250 continues to display the currently viewed program
the service provider’s option). It will also be noted that the
info function can be used in conjunction with the list
which the user was last viewing. Accordingly, the user may
continue to view the currently selected program, and the 50 function to display program/service information about the
currently highlighted program/service. It will further be
current program/service Iisting simultaneously. By pressing
noted that the listing display will disappear if the user
the select button 155 in the current time slot, the user can
depresses the list button 138 once again. It is also contemview the currently highlighted program in full screen, as
plated that this list function can be used with audio-visual
long as that program is playing live at the current time. For
programs or services other than TV programs, in particular
example, in the case of FIG. 13, the pressing of the select 55 when the menu button 172 is used to display the output of
button 155 would display NTV’s "Rock Today" program in other MV devices 57. For example, if the VCR 56 is
full screen. It will be noted that although the current impledisplayed on the TV 58, pressing the list button 138 on the
mentation of the list function displays a list of programs/
remote control device 60 would display a listing of all
services on single lines for one hour time slots, the invenprograms recorded by the user on the VCR 56, highlighting
tion’s user interface also supports other styles of display, for 6o the program now displayed from the VCR 56. Similarly, the
example, a grid showing programs on two lines, each line list function would display CD ROM or telephone listings
representing a two hour time slot.
when these A/V devices are selected through the meuu
It will also be noted that the currently selected program
function.
being displayed in the picture-in-picture window 250 is
Record Function
initially highlighted in the program/service listing to assist 65
the user. In the example of FIG. 12, Channel 11, PBS, a show
Referring now to FIG. 18, which illustrates a program/
entitled "Say Nay Billy" is highlighted. Moreover, channels
serviec listing displayed in response to the user having

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audio-visual programs other than TV shows, allowing a user
continuously depressed the right arrow button 150 on the
remote control device 60. The exemplary program/service to mark and subsequently jump between, for example, a
listing displayed is for Saturday, October 17 beginning at
VCR program, a CD ROM program, an on-line service or an
prime time (6:00 p.m.). The up and down arrow buttons 145 answering machine message, in addition to the TV programs
previously marked while viewing television channels.
and 146 on the remote control 60 are then used to highlight
the program "Specials Tonight". Assume now the user
desires to record the exemplary program "Specials Tonight".
C~egories Function
By pressing the record button 162 on the remote control
device 60, a record panel 259 is displayed by the CPU 63 on
Referring now to FIGS. 22-32, the categories function of
the screen 180, confirming the title and length of the I0 the present invention will be described. To initiate the
program to be recorded, along with a highlighted select
categories function of the present invention, the categories
("bull’s eye") icon as shown in FIG. 18. It is contemplated button 140 is depressed on the remote control device 60. As
that other functions can be included in the record panel 259,
illustrated in FIG. 22, the CPU 63 displays a categories
such as a function for selecting different VCRs or other MV
graphic overlay panel 300 which is superimposed over the
recording devices, a function for selecting different tapes or 15 currently viewed program on screen 180. A plurality of
reading media, and/or a function for selecting how often the
categories are identified by representative icons. The first
recording is to take place (once, weekly, dally). Once the
category which is selected by default is the "all" category
select button 155 is pressed, the program listing is redis302, and is highlighted around the border. The "all" category
played without the record panel 259. A record icon 260 is
302 refers to all currently available programs/services being
displayed on the screen 180, as shown in FIG. 19. The20 transmitted by the service provider 50. By depressing the
"Specials Tonight" program which will begin on Saturday,
right arrow button 150 or left arrow button 148 on the
October 17, will then be recorded automatically. In the event
remote control device 60, other categories may be highthe viewer changes his mind and does not desire to record
lighted. For example, by depressing the right arrow button
the program "Specials Tonight", by pressing the record
150, the next category "favorites", as indicated by a star icon
button 162 again and then pressing the select button 155 25 305, is highlighted (See FIG. 23). Similarly, by depressing
once more, the program listing will be redisplayed without the right arrow button 150 again, a movies icon 310 is
the record icon 260 and no recording will take place.
highlighted. By depressing the right arrow button 150
another time, a sports icon 315 is highlighted (see FIG. 24),
Mark and Jump Functions
and so on. Additional categories may include a news icon
30 312 and a music video icon 313. However, it will be
Skipping now to FIG. 15, the mark function of the present
appreciated that many other categories can be displayed. By
invention and its operation will be described. Shown in FIG.
15 is a program listing reflecting Channel 10 (NTV) having repeatedly pressing the right arrow button 150, the user can
make category icons appear, scrolling from right to left
been selected using the up and down arrow buttons 145 and
146 on the remote control device 60. Assume now the 35 against the category overlay panel 300.
In FIG. 24, the sports category has been highlighted by the
current time is 8:08:30 p.m. In accordance with the teachuser as indicated by the highlighted sports icon 315. To
ings of the present invention as described earlier, the proselect a category that is currently highlighted, the user can
gram "Rock Today" would be highlighted on the screen 180.
The program "Party Time" may be highlighted by the viewer press the select button 155 and the category overlay panel
by pressing the right arrow button 150. The mark function 40 300 disappears while the currently viewed program displayed on the screen 180 is replaced by the nearest available
may then be initiated by pressing the mark button 142 on the
remote control devic6 160. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a mark program in the category just selected. The selection of the
sports category results in the display of only sports related
identifier 252 is displayed adjacent to the selected program
(in the present example, "Party Time"). Skipping again to programs on the TV 58. FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary
FIG, 20, a reminder box 254 is displayed on the screen 180 baseball game which is displayed after the user presses the
45 select button 155. As illustrated, the sports icon 330 is also
at the time the program "Party Time" begins (in the present
example, 8:10 p.m.), regardless of what channel is currently displayed in the graphic overlay panel 185 along with the
channel identifier 188.
being viewed then by the user on TV 58. It should also be
noted that programs playing live in a current time slot can be
Assume now after the nearest sports program has been
marked while displayed in full screen by depressing the 50 displayed on the screen 180, the user desires to view
mark button 142. This causes a mark identifier 189 to be additional sports category programs on the TV 58. By
displayed in the graphic overlay panel 185, as shown in
depressing the up channel button 130 or the up arrow button
FIGS. 6 and 21.
145 on the remote control device 60, the transceiver 54
Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, depressing the jump displays the next higher number channel which is currently
button 132 while the reminder PIP window 254 is displayed55 showing a sports program. In the example of FIG. 26, the
sports program relates to a windsurfing event. As shown, the
switches the program displayed in the main viewing area of
sports icon 330 continues to be displayed along with the
the screen 180 to the program which the user has previously
marked (see FIG. 21). If more than one program has been numerical channel indicator and the channel identifier 188
(in the example of FIG. 26 "Sportstime") in the graphic
marked, by repetitively depressing the jump button 132,
users can jump to the other previously marked programs 60 overlay panel 185.
Referring now to FIG. 27, if the user has selected the
displaying them in full screen in the main display area of the
screen 180 one at a time. It will be appreciated that in an category of sports (icon 315), and depresses the list button
alternate embodiment, the picture-in-picture window 254 138, a program/service listing 360 of currently available
illustrated in FIG. 20 may be preceded by a reminder icon sports programs is displayed on screen 180. It will also be
displayed automatically in the PIP window 254 a few65 noted that the currently viewed sports program will continue
minutes prior to the actual start of the program. It will also
to be displayed in a picture-in-picture window 365. As
be noted that the mark and jump functions may be used with
previously discussed, with respect to the list function, pro-

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grams which are shown during half hour intervals (See FIG.
listing 363 of only programs that have been previously
27 "Windsurfing" and "Basketball") are identified and may
marked. Other favorite sub categories include a record subbe individually selected using the remote control device 60.
category of all programs selected for recording, and personalized favorites sub-categories such as "Morn" 321 and
Referring now to FIG. 28, which illustrates a program
listing with the sports icon 330 in the category overlay panel 5 "Joe" 322. It is contemplated that new preferences can be
highlighted, displayed in response to the user having pressed
defined by individual users by selecting a special favorites
the list button 138, and then presses the categories button
sub-category, represented by a "set-up" icon 323, then
140. Assume now the user desires to break down the main
marking preferred items from a list of programs and!or
sports category into finer sub-categories such as baseball,
categories, as well as specifying an icon and!or a name for
football, basketball, hockey, etc. By depressing the down tO this new preference set. By first defining and subsequently
arrow button 146 on the remote control device 60, the user
selecting, for example, the "Morn" sub-category icon 321, a
causes the CPU 63 to select a default sport sub-category
user can view only programs that match the interests defined
(baseball in this example) and display a plurality of sports
earlier by the mother of the household.
sub-category icons against the categories overlay panel 300
It is also contemplated that this category function can be
as illustrated in FIG. 29. The default sports sub-category
icon 315 is also highlighted, and the program listing 361 15 used in combination with A/V programs or services other
than TV programs, in particular when the menu button 172
comprises only programs of that sports sub-category, i.e.
is used to select the VCR 56, or one of the other A/V devices
baseball in this example. By pressing the right arrow button
57. For example, pressing the categories button 140 while
150 on the remote control device 60, the user can highlight
viewing a VCR listing (FIG. 36, below) would enable users
the football sub-category icon 317, then press the select
button 155 to cause only football programs to be listed. 20 to find all previously recorded comedy programs. Similarly,
the categories function could enable users to find phone
Alternatively, the user can press the up arrow button 145 to
listings in the "gardening" category, according to telephone
display the main categories again, with the sports icon 315
directory information accessed from the provider 50 via the
highlighted as illustrated in FIG. 28. The user can also press
T/T cable 52.
the categories button 140 once more to make the categories
25
overiay panel 300 disappear.
While the present invention has been described with the
categories function having different effects on the displayed
Referring now to FIG. 30, which illustrates a program
image when used during full screen display and when used
listing 320 with the favorite icon 305 in the category overiay
in conjunction with list function, it will be appreciated that
panel highlighted, displayed in response to the use having
the present invention also may be practiced with the catselected the "favorites" category using the left arrow button 30 egories function having consistent effect on the displayed
148 on the remote control device 60. The program listing
image in either situation, as desired.
320 comprises favorite programs for the current time slot
including frequently viewed programs, marked programs,
Pix Function
and programs to be recorded, as well as programs that match
specified user preferences. Assume now that the user desires 35 Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, the present invention’ s
to resolve the "favorites" category into finer sub-categories.
picture-in-picture (or pix function) will now be described.
By pressing the down arrow button 146 on the remote
The depression of the pix button 144 on the remote control
control device 60, the user causes the CPU 63 to display a
device 60 results in the display of a pix display 381 as
plurality of favorites sub-category icons against the categoillustrated in FIG. 33. As shown in the present embodiment,
ries overlay panel 300, as illustrated in FIG. 31. The CPU 63 4o 12 picture-in-picture video windows are arranged within the
highlights the "frequent" programs sub-category icon 311t
screen 180, along the perimeter of the pix display 381, with
and displays a program listing 362 of programs most frea central picture-in-picture window 375 also displayed.
quently watched by the user as determined by the CPU 63
Depressing the pix button 144 on the remote control device
from previous monitoring of the user’ s viewing habits. In the
60 results in the simultaneous display of multiple programs
normal course of operation, the CPU 63 monitors programs 45 currently transmitted over the T/T cable 52, the VCR 56, the
which are most frequently viewed and compiles a prioritized
CD ROM 70 and/or the other A/V devices 57. Moreover, one
list of those frequent programs for each time slot, which list
of the picture-in-picture windows displaying the last prois stored in the rewritable non-volatile part of the system
gram viewed in full screen, such as, for example, picturerandom access memory (such as SRAM) 65.
in-picture window 380, is highlighted. As shown in FIG. 33,
In the presently preferred embodiment, if a viewer views 50 the highlighted smaller screen is also displayed in larger size
a television program for more than 10 minutes, the current
in the central picture-in-picture window 375, with the audio
program and channel identifiers are compared to frequent
track of the program also audible to the user. Accordingly, a
programs already stored in system memory 65 for that
user may watch a motion picture or television program,
particular time slot, and an updated list of frequent programs
including the audio track, in window 375, while viewing
is created by CPU 63 and stored in the system memory 65. 55 multiple other programs simultaneously. In the presently
In the event there are no frequent programs stored in the
preferred embodiment, the A/V connect module 66 samples
system memory 65 for any particular time slot, then a
(or "grabs") a video frame from each of the 12 programs
general list of most frequently watched programs is retrieved
every pre-determined (N) number of frames. Accordingly, a
from the system memory 65. It is anticipated that the
user viewing the pix display 381 perceives each of the 12
majority of frequent programs will be stored in time slots 60 small picture-in-picture windows as sequential representacorresponding to prime time, or during daytime television
tive images of every N frames per window. However, the
hours.
picture-in-picture window 375 represents a full motion
display of the currently selected program, provided that a
By pressing the right arrow button 150, the user can move
second TV tuner 67 is included within the A/V connect
the highlighting from the "frequent" programs sub-category
icon 318 to the "marked programs" sub-category icon 319, 65 module 66.
as shown on FIG. 32. Accordingly, the CPU 63 highlights
Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present
the "marked programs" icon 319 and displays a program
invention, it is contemplated that the user is able to view the

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pix display 381 by category by pressing the categories
viewed A/V source icon is automatically highlighted, typibutton 140 and selecting a particular category, such as
cally the TV icon 421. By depressing the right arrow button
favorites or movies. For example, the pix display 381 150, or left arrow button 148 on the remote control 60, other
illustrated in FIG 33 is comprised of only favorite pro- A/V source icons may be highlighted and previewed. For
grams, as the user had previously selected the favorites 5 example, by depressing the right arrow button 150, the next
category. Had the user selected the "marked" sub-category,
A/V source icon, VCR 422, is highlighted, as shown in FIG.
only marked programs would be displayed on the pix
36. Simultaneously, CPU 63 displays an audio-visual prodisplay 381, allowing users to easily add or delete programs
gram derived from the highlighted source icon, in this case
in the pix display 381 by using the mark button 142. If no a videotape playing in the VCR 56 onto the screen 180, as
categories have been selected (which is equivalent to select- 10 illustrated in FIG. 36. To select and control any A/V source
ing the "all programs" category), then the pix display 381
whose icon is currently highlighted, in this case the VCR 56,
displays the 12 programs nearest to the last selected prothe user can press the select button 155, whereafter the
gram. Similarly, pressing the info button 136 would display
graphic overlay panel 420 disappears while the currently
the graphic overlay panel 190 shown in FIG. 7 for program viewed program sourced from the VCR 56 is displayed in
information.
15 full screen. Thereafter, the user can press the play button 168
Referring now to FIG. 34, which illustrates the selection on the remote control device 60 to cause the CPU 63 to
of a different pix program to be viewed in the central instruct thc VCR 56 through the A/V connect module 66 or
the IR control 82 to playback a previously recorded program
picture-in-picture window 375. By depressing the left arrow
on the VCR 56. Similarly, the user can press the stop arrow
button 148 on the remote control device 60, the highlighting
20
380 is moved one window to the left. In the example of FIG. button 166, the rewind button 164, and/or the fast-forward
button 170 on the remote control device 60 to further control
34, a "Discover It" program is now highlighted and shown
the program sourced from VCR 56. It is contemplated that
simultaneously in the central picture-in-picture window 375.
Similarly, through the use of the left arrow button 148 and the CD ROM module 70 and some of the other A/V devices
57 including other CDs, VCRs, laser disc players, hard
the right arrow button 150 along with the up arrow button
145 and the down arrow button 146 on the remote control 25 disks, telephones, answering machines, as well as transmitdevice 60, each of the pix programs in the pix display 381 ting devices connected to voice mail, electronic mail and
various on-line services can be similarly selected and conmay be viewed within the central picture-in-picture window
trolled through the use of the menu function, as illustrated in
375, as desired. As in the list function, pressing the select
FIG. 36.
button 155 displays the currently highlighted program in full
screen. Alternatively, pressing the pix button 144 a second 30
Other Functions
time causes the pix display 381 to disappear and the last
highlighted program appears in full screen.
Other functions may be realized with the present invenReferring to FIG. 35, selection of pay-per-view movie tion, including numeric data entry. As shown in FIGS. 41
currently shown in one of the picture-in-picture window 3811
and 49, by pressing one or more buttons on the numeric
of the pix display 381 for viewing is illustrated. As described35 keypad 176 of the remote control device 60, a user can
earlier, by depressing the left arrow button 148 on the remote
confirm a financial transaction by entering his or her percontrol device 60, the PIP window 380 becomes highlighted.
sonal identification number (PIN) in a confirmation display
In the example of FIG. 32, the pay-per-view channel shows field 425. The numeric keypad 176 may also be used for
a preview trailer for the motion picture "Jeff’s World", dialing TV channel numbers, telephone numbers and other
which is now displayed in the center PIP window 375 and 4O program source identifiers, as desired.
the perimeter PIP window 380 simultaneously. To select the
Yet another function which may be optionally realized by
pay-per-view movie, the select button 155 is depressed on
the present invention is a talk function, whereby a user can
the remote control device 60. It is contemplated that pressing
depress the talk button 181 on the remote control device 611,
a single, double or triple digit number on the numeric
and thereafter issue spoken commands into the microphone
keypad 176, followed by the ok button 178 of the remote45 179 located on the remote control device 60 in lieu of or in
control 60, will display the corresponding pay-per-view
addition to pressing buttons on the remote control device 611.
channel, along with the 12 nearest channels. It is also
Through the use of voice recognition hardware and software
contemplated that this pix function can be used with audiooperating in conjunction with the CPU 63, the present
visual programs and services other than TV shows, in
invention can be made to interpret the spoken commands
particular when the menu button 172 is used to display the 5O requested by the user, and invoke the corresponding funcoutput of the VCR 56, the CD 70, a hard disk or one of the tions. For example, a user may speak the word "sports"
other A/V devices 57 connected to the A/V transceiver 54.
while pressing talk button 181, which is equivalent to
invoking the category function and highlighting the sports
Menu Function
55 category, as if the user had pressed the corresponding
Referring now to FIG. 36, the menu function will now be sequence of buttons, as described earlier. It is further contemplated that the remote control device 60 in conjunction
described. The menu function permits users to switch the
with the TV 58 and a camera can be used as a video"
television display to any A/V source connected to the
transceiver 54, such as the VCR 56, the CD ROM module telephone for video conferencing and the like, wherein
70, or one of the other A/V devices 57, and lets users control 60 having engaged a telephone line (via the menu function) the
user speaks directly into the remote control device 60 as if
those A/V sources directly. As shown in FIG. 36, upon
it were a standard telephone.
pressing the menu button 172 on the remote control device
60, the CPU 63 displays on the screen 180 a graphic overlay
Pay-Per-View Interface
panel 420 which is superimposed over the currently viewed
audio-visual program. As further shown in FIG. 36, a65
The present invention includes one possible pay-per-view
plurality of audio-visual sources connected to the transceiver
(PPV) interface which will now be described. Assume that
54 are identified by representative icons. The currently
the user has selected the TV source icon 421 using the menu

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function displayed in the graphic overlay panel 420, and
service results in a continuous full-motion video display of
further selects a pay-per-view program using either the list
various paid-for commercials or advertising messages. As
or thc pix function. This selection results in an initial title shown in the representative screen of FIG. 44, a TV Shop
screen to be displayed, as illustrated in FIG. 37, which may icon is displayed along with a blinking select icon (or right
arrow icon) in a graphic overlay panel 400, at the start and
be static or animated. As shown in FIG. 38, upon the
selection of the PPV program and subsequent to the display
end of each advertisement, prompting users to press the
of the title screen of FIG. 37, a preview icon 382, a credit select button 155 (or right arrow 150).
icon 384, an info icon 386, and a ticket icon 388 arc
Referring now to FIG. 45, by pressing the select button
displayed, along with a preview trailer which is continu155 (or the right arrow button 150), the user can view
ously looping and is displayed in a half-screen picture-in- 10 additional information relating to the advertisements shown
picture window 390. It will be noted that in FIG. 38, the in the full motion video section of the TV Shop. In the
preview icon 382 has been highlighted by default, thereby
example of FIG. 45, it will be noted that a listing of the
corresponding to the trailer being shown in the window 390.
advertisers is provided, in which the advertisers whose
Referring now to FIG. 39, by depressing the right arrow
commercial was playing last is highlighted. Through the use
button 150 of the remote control device 60, the credit icon 15 of the up arrow button 145 or the down arrow button 146,
384 may be highlighted. The credits for the pay-per-view
the user may scroll through the advertisers, sequentially
movie are displayed on the screen 180 within the window
highlighting each of their advertising identifiers, along with
390. By depressing the right arrow button 150 once again,
a select icon 403 prompting a user to select that zdvertiser.
the info icon 386 is highlighted. As shown in FIG. 40, Moreover, as shown in FIG. 45, an "exit" icon 402, a
inli3rmation related to the pay-per-view movie is then pro-2o "stores" icon 404, a "specials" icon 406, an info icon (or
vided to the user, such as the title, the production company,
"compare" icon) 408, an "order" icon 409 and other icons
a brief description of the movie, the rating and the total
may be presented to the viewer. As illustrated in FIG. 46 the
length. If the user desires to watch the pay-per-view movie,
selection of the "Attic at Casey’ s" advertiser with the select
he/she depresses the right arrow button 1S0 once again to
button 155 (or the right arrow button 150) results in a display
highlight the ticket icon 388, as illustrated in FIG. 41. 25 of the various specials available from that advertiser. In FIG.
46, there is shown cookware highlighted in conjunction with
As shown in FIG. 41, upon the selection of the highlighted
a still image of the cookware for sale. By depressing the
"ticket" icon 388, the CPU 63 generates and displays on the
down arrow button 146 on remote control device 60, the
screen 180 a request for the user to input a "movie pass"
password using the numeric keypad 176 of the remote 30 highlighted section on the display can be moved down such
that the mini-csprcsso (see FIG. 47) is selected. Simultacontrol device 60. After entering the personal identification
number (PIN) using the numeric keypad 176, causing a neously with the highlighting of the mini-espresso selection,
a still image of the mini-espresso machine for sale is shown.
confirmation sound to be played and confirmation symbols
such as asterisks to fill in a blank confirmation display 425,
Referring to FIG. 48, to obtain further information regardthe user depresses the ok button 178 or the select button 155
ing the mini-espresso machine illustrated in FIG. 47, the
on the remote control device 60 to order and view the 35 user depresses the select button 155 (or the right arrow
pay-per-view movie. As shown in FIG. 42, transceiver 54 button 150) on the remote control device 60 to highlight the
then displays the ordered program if it is available, or
info icon 408. As illustrated in FIG. 48, information relating
displays a message informing the viewer that the pay-perto the particular product (i.e. espresso machine) is shown on
view movie wilt begin screening within X number of the screen 180. To order the mini-espresso machine illusminutes. In operation, depressing the ok button 178 or the 40 trated in FIGS. 47 and 48, the user depresses the select
select button 155 subsequent to the entering of the movie
button 155 (or the right arrow button 150) to highlight the
pass personal identification number (PIN) results in the CPU
order icon 409. As illustrated in FIG. 49, a personal iden63 providing a signal to the cable service provider $0, over
tification order number window 420 is displayed in which
the TFF cable 52 using one of the back channels 102 (See
the user (using the numeric keypad 176) inputs a personal
FIG. 3a). It will further be appreciated that during the45 identification number (PIN). After entering the personal
waiting period prior to the transmission of the pay-per-view
identification number (PIN), the ok button 178 or select
movie, additional trailers and other previews may be disbutton 155 is depressed to order the product. In the presently
played to the user on the screen 180. It will also be noted that
preferred embodiment, once the personal identification numif the user incorrectly enters his/her movie pass PIN number,
ber (PIN) of the user is entered into the system of the present
pressing the clear button 177 on the numeric keypad 176 50 invention and the ok button 178 or the select button 155 is
allows them to dear the confirmation display 425 and start
depressed, a signal is provided by the CPU 63 to the service
over again. It will also be appreciated that other pay-perprovider 50, using one of the back chmmels 102 (See FIG.
view interfaces may be designed and implemented using the
3)a. As illustrated in FIG. 50, a confirmation of the order,
teachings of the present invention on general purpose audioalong with a delivery time is displayed to the user. It wilt
55 also be appreciated that other home shopping interface
visual user interface.
variants may be designed and implemented using the teachings of the present invention.
Home Shopping Interface
The present invention includes one possible home shopSummary
ping intert~ce, which will now be described. In FIG. 43, a 60
channel identified as "SHP" or ’q’V Shop" represents a
The present invention as described provides methods and
dedicated home shopping service within the electronic specapparatus for a unique audio-visual interface for television
trum illustrated in FIG. 3a. It will be noted that although in and other A/V programs and services. The present invenits present embodiment, TV Shop is presented as a television
tion’s functions and features provide a user interface which
channel, it could also be presented as an on-line service 65 helps users find and view programs of interest, access related
through a transmitting device connected to the TFF cable 52.
information, control various audio-visual devices and order
In the current embodiment, the selection of the TV Shop
products or services from their own homes. While the

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present invention has been described with references to the
the audio-visual program displayed in said PIP window is
various figures, it will be appreciated that the figures are for
highlighted.
illustration only, and do not limit the spirit and scope of the
5. The andio-visual system as defined by claim 1 wherein
invention. For example, although the figures have, by necessaid A/V listings may be scrolled by said user to view
sity, used example screens having certain attributes, icons, 5 additional-listings for said current date and time by continucriteria or functions, it will be appreciated that the invention
ing to depress up or down buttons on said control means.
is not limited by the specific examples provided. Rather, the
6. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 5 wherein
present invention has application in any television and/or
an A/V listing may be selected by using said up or down
audio-visual display system. In addition, it will be noted that
buttons on said control means, said currently selected listing
the present invention may be realized using a variety of I0 being highlighted.
computer hardware and computer software, and is not lim7. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 1 wherein
ited to any particular hardware or software systems.
said A/V listings are displayed in hourly time slots, audioMoreover, it will be appreciated that many of the funcvisual programs of less than one hour in duration being
tions and features of the present invention, such as graphic
overlay panels, icons, and selection methods, are not static I5 displayed adjacent to one another separated by a half hour
delineation mark.
events and are perceived by the user as having motion, color,
8. An interactive user interface and audio-visual (A/V)
sound and/or animation. Specifically, it will be appreciated
system, comprising:
that the present audio-visual user interface also includes an
a transceiver coupled to an A/V display for receiving A/V
audio intcrfacc using a plurality of sound icons and backsignals, said transceiver including interface generation
grounds, which compliment the visual interface and are 20
means for displaying an interface on said A/V display;
played almost every time a function of the present invention
is used, and which cannot be illustrated graphically here, but
control means in communication with said transceiver for
are part of the present invention. Due to the limitations of a
permitting a user viewing said A/V display to display
written specification, the reader is referred to a videotape
A/V programs on said A/V display;
entitled "EZTV" submitted by the applicants concurrent 25
wherein said interface generation means further includes
with the filing of the application on which this patent is
an A/V listing interface for causing said A/V display to
based.
selectively display a program listing, said program
We claim:
listing including information related to A/V programs
1. An interactive user interface and audio-visual (A/V)
viewable on said A/V display;
30
system, comprising:
wherein said interface generation means includes
a transceiver coupled to an A/V display for receiving A/V
reminder means for identifying television programs on
signals, said transceiver including interface generation
said A/V listing which said user desires to be reminded
means for displaying an interface on said A/V display:

of;

control means in communication with said transceiver for 35 wherein said reminder means is activated by said user
permitting a user viewing said A/V display to display
selecting an audio-visual program on said A/V listing
A/V programs on said A/V display;
using said control means, and then activating a mark
wherein said interface generation means further includes
button on said control means.
an A/V listing interface for causing said A/V display to
9. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 8 wherein
selectively display a program listing, said program 40 upon said user activating said mark button, said A/V listing
listing including information related to A/V programs
interface means displays a reminder mark adjacent to said
viewable on said A/V display;
selected audio-visual program.
wherein said A/V listing interface displays a picture in a
10. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 8
picture (PIP) window in which the audio-visual pro- wherein said interface means displays a reminder at a
gram viewed by said user prior to said activation of said 45 predefined location on said A/V display, on the date and at
A/V listing means is displayed.
the time said selected audio-visual program is received by
2. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 1 wherein
said transceiver.
said A/V listing interface displays an A/V listing icon to
11. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 10
identify to said user that said listing means has been actiwherein said reminder comprises a picture-in-a-picture winvated.
50 dow in which said selected audio-visual program said
3. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 1 wherein
viewer desires to be reminded of is displayed on said A/V
said A/V listing interface displays the current date and time.
display.
4. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 1 wherein
upon said activation of said A/V listing means the listing for

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